The Antisocial Doctors Podcast

Sonia Singh MD & Rebecca Berens MD
  • 5.0 (10)
  • MEDICINE

Join Dr. Rebecca Berens & Dr. Sonia Singh as they unpack viral health trends with curiosity, nuance, and compassion. No snark, no shame —just thoughtful conversations about what’s true, what’s hype, why we're drawn to it and how to find calm and clarity in the chaos of social media and online health advice.

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    Episode 8: Is the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet Helpful?

    In this episode, we talk about why the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is trending—especially alongside new U.S. dietary guidelines—and what makes highly restrictive “inflammation” messaging so compelling. We tease apart the appeal of “natural” fixes versus “toxic medications,” the illusion of control many of us seek when diagnoses feel uncertain, and how social media can intensify guilt, shame, and anxiety around food. We also preview the difference between evidence-based anti-inflammatory dietary patterns and rigid elimination protocols, why nutrition research is complicated, and why restrictive approaches may carry real risks—especially for people with nutrient deficiencies or a history of disordered eating. 00:00 Podcast mission 01:21 Why this topic now 01:47 Patient story behind AIP 02:41 What AIP claims 04:11 Why it goes viral 08:10 Natural vs toxic trap 11:07 Diet and inflammation evidence 16:30 Anti-inflammatory pattern basics 19:16 AIP elimination and reintro 24:22 Sensitivities vs blanket bans 27:40 AIP research so far 31:28 Diet Autoimmunity Evidence 32:24 Nutrient Deficiency Risks 34:23 Adherence and Disorder Risk 40:00 Gluten Dairy Reality Check 42:46 Patient Case and Placebo 50:13 Clinician Counseling Approach 53:19 Big Picture Nutrition Mindset 59:01 Don’t Delay Medical Care 01:01:24 Wrap Up and Disclaimer 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack:  👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

    1h 3m

  2. MAR 12

    Episode 7: Are We All In Perimenopause?

    In this episode we discuss why perimenopause has become a major social media trend, the truth behind it, and where messaging can slide from empowerment into fear. We explore why women’s symptoms are often dismissed, while also noting broader stressors affecting millennial women’s health. We define menopause and perimenopause, outline typical ages and durations, and discuss how these conditions are diagnosed. We highlight which symptoms are most helpful in distinguishing perimenopause from other conditions discuss the dangers of anchoring on perimenopause for nonspecific symptoms. Finally, we discuss what the perimenopause movement has taught us as doctors and as Millennial women. 01:49 Perimenopause Everywhere 03:08 The Viral Claim Explained 06:35 Why It Went Viral 07:50 Women’s Health Neglected 15:12 Millennial Women Unwell 21:00 Girl Power and Burnout 27:06 Nugget of Truth 32:08 Menopause vs Perimenopause Basics 34:22 Age Ranges and Reality Check 35:53 Don’t Anchor on One Diagnosis 36:49 Perimenopause Without Labs 38:51 The Big Three Symptoms 39:59 Lancet Study Reality Check 43:34 Estrogen Risks and Telehealth 46:10 Gatekeeping and Pellets 51:28 When Labs Help Patients 56:12 Clinician Lessons Learned 59:32 Baseline Health and Risk Factors 01:06:49 Niche Experts and Consumer Savvy 01:11:17 Wrap Up and Disclaimer 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

    1h 13m

  3. MAR 5

    Episode 6: Is it Helpful to Know #WhatIEatInADay?

    In this episode we ask whether “#WhatIEatInADay” videos are actually helpful. We unpack the implicit health and identity claims these posts make, why they’ve become so viral, and how trends like mukbang fit into the broader landscape of food content online. We review what the research tells us about the accuracy of nutrition-related content and the consequences of consuming it. Finally, we share practical takeaways for listeners, parents, and clinicians, including how we bring these conversations into patient care and why screening for disordered eating matters. 00:00 Podcast mission 01:10 Welcome and setup 01:56 This week's claim 03:51 Why it's viral 05:49 Loneliness and mukbang 08:09 Normalcy and confusion 10:33 Nugget of truth 12:57 Newborn mom example 17:53 Research on accuracy 23:20 Eating disorder impacts 26:41 Algorithms and Kids 28:14 Mukbang and Eating Triggers 30:11 Content Beats Screen Time 35:19 Can Food Content Be Safe 41:07 Takeaways and Guardrails 46:08 Talking to Patients 50:27 Podcast Disclaimer 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

    52 min

  4. FEB 26

    Episode 5: Should We All Be Switching to Clean Beauty?

    In this episode of the Antisocial Doctors Podcast, we talk about the viral “clean beauty” movement and why it has so many of us questioning what we put on our skin. We start with a real patient case that sparked this conversation, then dig into the bigger questions behind the trend—what people are afraid of, what’s actually known, and why the answers aren’t always straightforward. We also explore how social media and marketing can amplify anxiety, why “clean” can be a confusing label, and what it might look like to approach skincare choices with nuance instead of doom-scrolling. This is a curiosity-first conversation about risk, regulation, and how to keep perspective without shame or snark. 00:00 Podcast mission 01:14 Rash case study 02:54 Clean beauty claims 04:12 Why it went viral 06:51 Nugget of truth 09:32 EDCs explained 11:11 Expert debate 13:42 Parabens tradeoffs 15:53 Regulation gaps 17:34 Clean is marketing 19:15 Ingredient apps pitfalls 21:41 Natural not safer 23:46 Research on clean beauty 25:01 Clean Beauty Is Marketing 25:58 Risk Versus Benefit Basics 27:34 Fear Based Beauty Culture 29:23 Kids Skincare And Puberty 30:47 Is Clean Worth Paying For 33:26 System Level Solutions 34:53 Clean Living And Moral Panic 37:27 Algorithms And Extremes 40:01 Doctor Takeaways And Regulation 43:05 How To Counsel Patients 44:37 Wrap Up And Disclaimer 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

    46 min

  5. FEB 19

    Episode 4: Do I Need A Full Thyroid Panel?

    In this episode of the Antisocial Doctors Podcast, hosts Dr. Sonia Singh and Dr. Rebecca Berens delve into the intricacies of thyroid testing, discussing the basic and full thyroid panels commonly debated on social media. They explain the physiology of thyroid function, the roles of TSH, T3, T4, and antibodies, and the evidence-backed guidelines for thyroid testing. Through patient stories and expert commentary, they debunk misinformation, highlight the limitations of excess testing, and emphasize the importance of clear communication and follow-up in medical practice. This episode aims to clarify common misconceptions and advocate for a more nuanced and evidence-based approach to thyroid health. 00:00 Welcome to the Antisocial Doctors Podcast 01:13 Introduction to Today's Topic: Thyroid Testing 03:27 Patient Story: A Journey with Thyroid Issues 06:20 Understanding the Full Thyroid Panel 16:54 The Complexity of Thyroid Testing 32:34 The Role of TSH in Thyroid Diagnosis 33:57 Thyroid Screening Basics 35:27 Understanding T3 Testing 36:45 Conversion Issues and Malnutrition 41:34 Reverse T3: A Misunderstood Test 45:03 Anti-TPO Antibodies and Hashimoto's 47:34 Patient Experiences and Misconceptions 01:03:00 The Role of Endocrinologists 01:05:43 Conclusion and Resources 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

    1h 8m

  6. FEB 2

    Episode 3: What's Wrong with Eating Clean?

    “Clean eating” is widely promoted as the key to health — but it has no clear definition. In this episode, we explore why this idea resonates, how it moralizes food choices, and what the research shows about its links to restriction, anxiety, and disordered eating. What we cover: • Why “clean” vs “dirty” food framing is harmful • Processed foods and real-world nutrition • Research on clean eating and restraint • Why women are especially affected 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

    37 min

  7. FEB 2

    Episode 2: Are Birth Control Pills Really Bad for You?

    A viral narrative suggests birth control pills are used as a band-aid and cause long-term harm. In this episode, we unpack where that belief comes from and what the evidence actually shows about risks, benefits, and informed decision-making. What we cover:  • Why distrust around birth control is growing  • Evidence-based uses beyond contraception  • Real vs exaggerated risks  • Fertility, mood, weight, and cancer context 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

    58 min

  8. FEB 2

    Episode 1: Is Social Media Making Us Unwell?

    Most people now encounter health advice on social media — and many act on it. In this episode, we examine why people turn to these platforms, how algorithms shape what we see, and who is most vulnerable to anxiety and harm from online health content. What we cover: • Why social media is a primary health source • Engagement vs accuracy in algorithms • Health anxiety and “cyberchondria” • Safer ways to engage with health content 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

    28 min

  9. FEB 2

    A Brief Intro: Who Are We & Why Are We Antisocial?

    We’re Sonia Singh, MD (Internal Medicine) and Rebecca Berens, MD (Family Medicine) — direct primary care physicians, moms, and humans navigating health misinformation alongside our patients. In this episode, we share why we created this podcast, what “antisocial” actually means, and how our personal and clinical experiences shape our approach to health conversations online. What we cover:  • Our backgrounds and clinical perspectives  • Why social media health trends feel so powerful  • What’s missing from most debunking content  • How this podcast is structured 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

    12 min

  10. TRAILER

    Trailer: Introducing The Antisocial Doctors Podcast

    Enjoy this sneak peak of what's in store! The Anti-Social Doctors Podcast is the antidote to the algorithm - a salve for the anxiety, stress, guilt, shame, and confusion that comes from social media’s messaging around health. In each episode, Dr. Berens and Dr. Singh discuss a health-related topic trending on social media with curiosity, nuance, evidence, compassion, and humility. 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

    2 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Join Dr. Rebecca Berens & Dr. Sonia Singh as they unpack viral health trends with curiosity, nuance, and compassion. No snark, no shame —just thoughtful conversations about what’s true, what’s hype, why we're drawn to it and how to find calm and clarity in the chaos of social media and online health advice.

Information

  • Creator
    Sonia Singh MD & Rebecca Berens MD
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Antisocial Doctors Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Antisocial Doctors Podcast

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